The Patriots surprised the football world on Saturday evening when they drafted Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton in the sixth round (Pick 193) of the NFL Draft.

The pick surprised people but if you know director of scouting Eliot Wolf’s history and his ties to the Green Bay Packers, taking two quarterbacks in the same draft is not a surprise. 

Wolf’s father Ron Wolf was the Packers general manager in the 90’s. He along with Packers coach Mike Holmgren routinely drafted quarterbacks even when they had entrenched starters like Don Majkowski and Brett Favre. Even after Wolf left the Packers, former general manager Ted Thompson continued the tradition of taking a quarterback every other draft. The fact that the Patriots took two quarterbacks in this draft speaks to what they think of the current state of the position. 

I spoke to a source close to the Tennessee program about Milton. He told me that “He’ll be fun in New England” and that he was ready for the NFL. He cited his age and maturity. 

Despite being selected in the same draft as Drake Maye, Milton considers himself blessed to have this opportunity.

“It is amazing. I am blessed by the best. My family is very proud of me, but the moment is especially about me just overcoming adversity twice. So, it’s a blessing for sure.”

Milton has the best arm in this draft. At 6-5 245, he can make every throw in the playbook, He is also athletic and can operate inside and outside the pocket. He has similar traits to Maye. Milton addressed his legendary arm strength.

“I know growing up, my arm was not that strong. My mom used to say it was because I used to throw the ball over the top of buildings and try to go run and catch it on the other side. Other than that, I’ll say like, growing up it was probably like 50 to 60, but you know, as I got older and stronger and kept working at my craft, it got way better for sure.”

Could this new regime have a type at quarterback? It is possible. Both are throwback types to the big pocket passer of yesteryear but they are both athletic. The Patriots are obviously looking for their Justin Herbert with Maye and possibly their Josh Allen with Milton. 

Despite the similarities, Milton was still surprised to get the call from the Patriots.

“It was kind of both, both of the same spectrum. But at the same time, it was kind of like, I just had all of the hats laid out. You just never know where you will end up, so I was just waiting on any phone call.” Milton added: “It’s just an opportunity. I feel like everywhere you go, no matter what quarterback got selected in this draft, no matter where you go, you’re going to have to compete. Nothing is just given to you, no matter who you are. So, no matter where you go, you’re just going to have to compete, so that is what I am looking forward to doing.”

As far as his relationship with Maye, Milton says he knows him and he’s looking forward to getting to know him even more. 

“Yeah, we came in contact multiple times, even before the season. We’ll have to play mini-camp, so yeah, we’re close. Not as close as we are going to be, but we’re close right now to the point that we can have a conversation for sure.”

Milton was asked about if he has been previously asked to play tight end if quarterback does not work out. He pretty much shot down that idea.

“You are the first person I have actually heard that from, to be real with you. But, that will never happen.”

There are some similarities to former quarterback and wide receiver Joe Webb, but Milton is more talented and in many ways more polished. The Patriots will give him every opportunity to play quarterback. If he does make a position switch, it will not be here. At least in my opinion anyway. 

Milton has dealt with some adversity in his college career. Despite that, he persevered and he is being rewarded by having an opportunity to play in the NFL 

“It’s a wonderful moment. I am pretty much speechless at this point, I’m kind of fumbling over myself, so I am kind of speechless at this point. But you know, I am blessed by the best. I’m happy about this moment. The only person I can thank for this moment is God, and all the hard work that I put in and the people that I have that were with me every step of the way.”